Sports
Kemeh: Govt must make boxing attractive to youth
A Ghanaian world title prospect, Dodzi Kemeh has urged government to invest in boxing to make it attractive for the youth.
According to him, government can only reap the full benefits of the sports –raising world champions and Olympic gold medalists – after investing heavily in the sport’s development and promotion.
Speaking to the Times Sports yesterday, Kemeh, an IBF Africa super welterweight champion said one of the ways government can support boxing is by providing job opportunities and other income sustaining activities for the boxers so they can concentrate on the sport.
“In my view, boxers can be allowed work in the military, police and other sectors so they could have something to rely on aside boxing.
“That will reduce the hardships that boxers currently face prior and post COVID-19 era and ensure they have something else to rely upon after active sports, “he explained.
He urged the public to support the boxers within their communities, adding that “there is hope for Ghanaian boxers as far as winning world titles were concerned.”
On his career progress, Kemeh remains optimistic about becoming a world champion soon.
The 29-year-old said, his only stumbling block has been the COVID-19 pandemic which has halted boxing and other sporting activities globally.
Dodzi was scheduled to engage in an International Boxing Federation (IBF) Africa Super welter boxing bout on April 11 under ACE Power Promotions event dubbed “Thunder in the Volta.”
However, the fight had been postponed in adherence to government cancellation of public events in the country as a result of the outbreak of the pandemic.
Dodzi who currently holds the IBF Africa super welterweight title, said “but for COVID-19, I would have defended my title and will be looking forward to other challenges ahead of a world title shot.”
“I am still training on daily basis; dreaming to become a world champion for Ghana within a couple of years after boxing resumes, “he stated.
“I have a lot to show the boxing community and Ghanaians would soon see my capabilities on the global stage and will in the end make everyone proud, “he stressed.
Source: Ghanaian Times
Sports
Armwrestling: Immigration, Prisons meet African champions
The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and Ghana Prisons Service (GPS) in separate ceremonies have welcomed officers of both security institutions who recently returned from Abuja, Nigeria after participating in the 14th Africa Armwrestling Championship.
The Director-General of the Ghana Prisons Service, Mr. Patience Baffoe Bonnie, and the leadership of the Service, were present to congratulate the champions, Daniel Acquah (four gold medals), Mabel Yeboah (four gold medals) and Henry Otoo (two silver, two bronze), on their impressive performances.
The champions presented their medals to the Director-General, and shared their experiences and insights with the top officials.
During the meeting, the Director-General of the GPS, Mrs Baffoe Bonnie, expressed her excitement about the potential benefits of sports for inmates.
She noted that sports could play a significant role in rehabilitation and pledged to support the development of armwrestling within the prisons service.
In a related development, the Comptroller-General of the GIS, CGI Samuel Basintale, commended his members – Edward Yamoah Asamoah (two gold medals), Blessed Abeka Nunoo (one gold, one silver, two bronze), Godwin Sackey (one gold, one silver) and referee Nii Otoo Larkyne, for the feat.
Mr Basintale promised to provide support for the development of armwrestling within the service, including training facilities, equipment, and sponsorship.
The African Armwrestling champions from the security services won a total of 20 medals out of Ghana’s 55 medal haul.
They expressed gratitude and promised to continue promoting the sport and inspiring others to take up armwrestling.
Mr Charles Osei Asibey, President for Ghana Armwrestling Federation, was thrilled by the promise and continuous collaborations and support for the development of armwrestling in Ghana by the security services.
—GNA
Sports
TTU to honour athletes at 2nd sports awards night
Takoradi Technical University (TTU) will tonight host its 2nd Sports Awards Night to honour outstanding athletes, teams, and contributors who have promoted the institution’s sporting reputation.
The event, which will take place at the Nicholas Aidoo Taylor Auditorium, will be chaired by Vice-Chancellor, Rev. Prof. John Frank Eshun, with Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, as Guest of Honour.
Other dignitaries expected include Member of Parliament for Effia, Isaac Boamah-Nyarko, and Municipal Chief Executive for Effia-Kwesimintsim, Abdul Majeed Dokurgu.
TTU said the awards will celebrate a year marked by exceptional performances, record-breaking moments, and contributions that have boosted both the competitive spirit and institutional pride of the university.
The ceremony will be held under the theme, “Recognising Excellence in Scholarship and Sportsmanship.”
The university noted that it has become a powerhouse in university sports, winning back-to-back championships at the GHATUSA Games in Tamale and Cape Coast.
It attributed the success to integrating sports into academic life, introducing sports scholarships, building the TTU Sports Complex, providing strategic funding, and offering strong logistical support.
Director of Public Affairs and Secretary to the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Mensah Oti-Asirifi, said the awards go beyond recognising individual winners, adding that they are also a tribute to the discipline, resilience, and unity that define TTU’s sporting culture.
He stated that every nominee is a champion whose efforts have brought pride to the university and enhanced its reputation on both national and continental stages.
The programme will feature two segments of award presentations, with categories covering football, volleyball, basketball, table tennis, tennis, handball, badminton, athletics, scrabble, and taekwondo, for both male and female divisions.
Nominees include Jane Membong in athletics, Hajara Ibrahim in basketball, Samuel Aidoo in football, and Prince Egyir in handball, as well as Papa Kwansa Baidoo, Prince Davies, and Ahmed Anas Salis.
Special awards will also be presented to individuals whose contributions have inspired the TTU community beyond the field of competition.
Chairman of the Sports and Recreation Committee, Joseph Danso, said the planning team has worked to ensure the event captures the spirit of sportsmanship, dedication, and unity that characterise TTU sports.
The university recalled that the inaugural edition honoured Raymond French, Sarah Quansah, and Rebecca Mba, setting a high standard for sporting recognition.
By: Jacob Aggrey
